Chico attorney changes plea for drugs, disturbing peace

OROVILLE — A Chico attorney known for representing drunk driving defendants has changed his plea in a case involving drug possession and disturbing the peace.

John Joseph Vandervoort, who advertises himself as the "DUI King," pleaded guilty Thursday to a felony count of possessing cocaine and an added misdemeanor count of fighting in public.

As part of his change of plea in Butte County Superior Court, supervising deputy district attorney Kelly Maloy moved to dismiss a misdemeanor count of battery.

The prosecution has said Vandervoort's wife called police on Aug. 2 to report she suffered a scratch on her hand, leading to the alleged domestic violence. The fighting charge also took place on that date.

The drug charge stems from the wife reportedly discovering prescription bottles containing a powdered substance in an office safe. The substance reportedly tested positive for cocaine.

Defense attorney Dennis Latimer said outside of court that the case was fairly handled and he was satisfied with the resolution. He said Vandervoort was a hard-working attorney who faced a stressful workload, which led to an error in judgment.

"Under a lot of pressure, he made a mistake," Latimer said.

He said some of the facts were still in dispute, but it was important for his client to "take his lump" and address the underlying condition with a therapeutic solution.

Maloy told visiting Judge Donald Sokol of Lassen County Superior Court that Vandervoort is seeking to enter the PC 1000 drug diversion program. The defendant has also agreed to take part in a year-long batterers' program and comply with domestic-violence conditions.

Latimer noted that if Vandervoort successfully completes the PC 1000 program, the court would dismiss the felony charge.

Vandervoort faces up to 90 days in county jail for the misdemeanor count when he is sentenced Feb. 21.

Latimer said he hoped the case wouldn't affect Vandervoort's standing as an attorney with the State Bar of California. He noted the charges didn't involve moral turpitude, which is one factor the bar uses in determining an attorney's good moral character.

The prosecution did notify the state bar of the case, as required by statute, but said the bar would perform its own investigation.